Ground Culantro
Eryngium foetidumClinical Encyclopedia
Ground culantro, also known as Eryngium foetidum, is a herbaceous plant known for its strong flavor and aroma, often used in Caribbean and Latin American cuisines. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to various dishes.
Macronutrient Ratio
Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g
Micronutrient DV% Score
Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value
Complete Micronutrient Breakdown
Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.
Vitamins
Minerals
Health Benefits
Possible Risks & Side Effects
How to Prepare & Consume
Ground culantro can be used fresh in salads, cooked in soups, or blended into sauces to enhance flavor.
Smart Selection & Storage
Choose fresh leaves that are vibrant green and free from wilting or browning.
Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds
Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.
A flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Compounds that promote eye health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
"Ground culantro is often confused with cilantro, but it has a stronger flavor and is used differently in cooking."
Myths vs Realities
Healthy Recipes
Culantro and Quinoa Salad
A refreshing salad combining protein-packed quinoa with the unique flavor of ground culantro, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 tablespoons ground culantro
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, ground culantro, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve chilled.
Culantro Infused Grilled Chicken
Juicy grilled chicken marinated with a zesty culantro blend, offering a flavorful and healthy protein option.
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons ground culantro
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a bowl, mix the ground culantro, olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- 2. Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
- 3. Grill the chicken over medium heat for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Serve with a side of vegetables.
Culantro and Avocado Toast
A trendy and nutritious avocado toast topped with ground culantro for an extra kick of flavor.
- 2 slices whole-grain bread
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons ground culantro
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1. Toast the whole-grain bread slices until golden brown.
- 2. In a bowl, mash the avocado with lemon juice, ground culantro, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Spread the avocado mixture on the toasted bread and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.
Culantro-Spiced Lentil Soup
A hearty and nutritious lentil soup infused with the aromatic flavor of ground culantro, perfect for a cozy meal.
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons ground culantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- 2. Add the garlic and ground culantro, cooking for an additional minute.
- 3. Stir in the lentils and vegetable broth, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until lentils are tender. Season with salt and pepper.
Culantro and Black Bean Tacos
Flavorful tacos filled with black beans and ground culantro, offering a healthy and satisfying meal option.
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons ground culantro
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1. In a bowl, mash the black beans with ground culantro until well combined.
- 2. Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
- 3. Fill each tortilla with the black bean mixture, top with avocado slices and diced tomatoes, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Culantro and Sweet Potato Mash
A nutritious twist on traditional mashed potatoes, using sweet potatoes and ground culantro for added flavor and health benefits.
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons ground culantro
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Boil the sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- 2. Drain and return the sweet potatoes to the pot. Add ground culantro, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Mash until smooth and creamy. Serve warm as a side dish.
Culantro and Spinach Omelette
A protein-packed omelette featuring fresh spinach and ground culantro, perfect for a healthy breakfast.
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 tablespoons ground culantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1. In a bowl, whisk the eggs with ground culantro, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add spinach, and sauté until wilted.
- 3. Pour the egg mixture over the spinach and cook until set. Fold and serve immediately.
Culantro-Infused Hummus
A vibrant and healthy hummus made with ground culantro, perfect as a dip or spread.
- 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons ground culantro
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- 1. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, ground culantro, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
- 2. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
- 3. Serve with fresh vegetables or pita bread.
Culantro and Tomato Salsa
A zesty salsa bursting with fresh flavors, featuring ground culantro for a unique twist.
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ground culantro
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- 1. In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, onion, ground culantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt.
- 2. Mix well and let sit for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 3. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats.
Culantro and Coconut Rice
A fragrant rice dish cooked with coconut milk and ground culantro, perfect as a side or main dish.
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons ground culantro
- Salt to taste
- 1. In a pot, combine jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, ground culantro, and salt.
- 2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked.
- 3. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is ground culantro?
Ground culantro is a herb commonly used in Caribbean and Latin American cuisines, known for its strong flavor.
How do you use ground culantro in cooking?
It can be used fresh in salads, cooked in soups, or blended into sauces.
Is ground culantro the same as cilantro?
No, while they are related, ground culantro has a stronger flavor than cilantro.
What are the health benefits of ground culantro?
It has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants.
Can ground culantro be used in herbal medicine?
Yes, it is traditionally used for digestive issues and as an antimicrobial agent.
How should ground culantro be stored?
It should be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container.
Is ground culantro safe to eat?
Yes, it is safe for most people when consumed in typical culinary amounts.
Where can I buy ground culantro?
It can be found in Latin American grocery stores or specialty herb shops.